‘Not in full control’: AI pilot struggled to walk after Phuket-Delhi flight
An Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana after a flight from Phuket to Delhi, during which he exhibited erratic behavior. The co-pilot was forced to land the plane safely, and the incident has prompted an investigation by aviation authorities.
Why it matters
This incident raises significant concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and the enforcement of drug testing for commercial pilots.
NEW DELHI: Trouble mounted for the pilot-in-command (PIC) of last Tuesday’s badly rattled Phuket-Delhi Air India flight after it emerged that he had failed the confirmatory dope test and was found to have consumed marijuana. Besides, the cabin crew of the flight, AI 2379, has filed a complaint with the airline against the “high” PIC’s onboard behaviour.The pilot also faces criminal action beyond DGCA rules — which require such a pilot to be sent for de-addiction and allow him to resume flying after being certified drug-free.The young co-pilot had to single-handedly steady the aircraft and then land it safely at the destination.An alarmed civil aviation ministry summoned AI’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to express concern about this incident and find out how the airline was dealing with the issue and review its plan to come out of its prolonged period of operational turbulence.Airbus A320 had momentarily gone into ‘negative G’…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in